Eircom rule out landline for valley

RESIDENTS of a remote valley are relying on a fragile radio link to speak to the outside world after Eircom refused to install a landline service, claiming the cost was too high.

The decision has made the community in Kerry's famous Black Valley, one of the most isolated in Western Europe, wonder why Ireland's hi-tech revolution has passed them by.

Eircom turned down requests to lay lines for a phone service to the picturesque valley because it said the €650,000 installation cost would be prohibitive given the few customers requiring it.

The region receives no mobile phone signal so the only other way residents can communicate is by a radio-link phone system noted for its unreliability.

Because of restrictions in the Kerry County Development Plan, mobile phone companies say they cannot get planning permission to erect masts in scenic, mountainous areas such as the Black Valley.

O2 and others have called for changes in the plan and local politicians have also called for an easing of restrictions.

There was an outcry earlier this year after Black Valley people had difficulties in contacting medical services for an elderly man who suffered a heart attack. It took a doctor up to six hours to find where the man, who has since recovered, was living.

Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae said he was disappointed with Eircom's response, but welcomed its commitment to enhance the battery back-up phone system in the valley.

"While I welcome any investment in this infrastructure, I believe the only way the people of the Black Valley will have a phone service the same as everybody else is if a fixed landline is provided."

Mr Healy-Rae and a deputation from the valley recently met Eircom representatives seeking the replacement of the radio-link system.

But Grainne O'Malley of Eircom's commercial department now says, in a letter to the deputy, that after studying the problem, the cost would not justify replacing the system.

She said they were progressing with improvements to the battery system as a matter of urgency.

Set in the foothills of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, the valley is frequented by mountaineers and hill walkers, who sometimes have problems raising alarm by phone when accidents and emergencies occur.